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I'm considering using Carepatron. It is HIPAA-compliant and fairly inexpensive. They do offer a Business Associate Agreement (BAA), and I believe you will send an invite to the email address so the client can do the visit on their phone.

I have attended virtual appointments with my client in the past. How I do it is have the facility or doctor send me the link and attend with the client at her home.
Another client calls me and puts me on speaker when the doctor comes into the room to see her.

Kathaleen, GREAT question! I hope you get lots of response!

I haven't personally done it, but I have spoken with several patients that have had their advocate on the phone during an appointment — letting the provider know that of course upon the provider's arrival.

I'm super curious to see if others have insights as well!

Hi everyone, I’m Sheri Gaynor, and I’m so grateful to have found this group. Joining this community has truly helped confirm that starting my advocacy practice is the right next step for me, and I’m excited to learn from all of you along the way.

I’ve been a nurse since 1991, and my career has taken many different paths over the years based on the needs of my family and the experiences life brought my way. My background includes hospital nursing, home health, school nursing, case management, and working on the health plan side of healthcare. While my experience is diverse, caring for moms, babies, and children has always held a special place in my heart.

As my parents have gotten older, I’ve also developed a growing interest in Medicare, aging care, and helping families better understand and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Life has also shaped me personally in profound ways. In 2022, I lost my 22-year-old son to a fentanyl overdose, and that experience changed me deeply. It has strengthened my compassion, broadened my perspective, and reinforced my desire to support families during some of the most overwhelming and vulnerable moments of their lives.

I’m looking forward to connecting, learning, and growing alongside all of you. Thank you for welcoming me into this space.

Excited to join this group who speak the same language I do…Advocacy! 😀

I am a career nurse case manager with the last 20 years in hospital case management leadership. Retiring in December!

I owned an independent advocate business from 2019-2025. In 2026, I founded The American Senior Citizen, LLC to focus on written and video content expanding the reach for patients, families and caregivers who are seeking real-world solutions quickly.

I look forward to connecting, collaborating and celebrating the wins with all of you 👏

Hi Everyone!

I’m Lisa Jo McLendon, a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience, primarily in CVICU and Geriatric Behavioral Health. About five years ago, I transitioned into healthcare advocacy, and I couldn't be happier! It is becoming the most meaningful chapter of my career.

I’m a lifelong learner at heart. Along the way, I obtained my Life & Health Insurance License and Long‑Term Care Certification so I can better support seniors and families planning for the cost of aging. Long‑term care planning has become a true passion of mine, and I’m actively expanding my expertise to best help clients meet the cost of their long‑term care.

I’m grateful to be part of this community of advocates who are committed to raising the standard of care.

I’m always happy to connect, collaborate, or support in any way I can.

Warmly,
Lisa Jo

Renae, thanks so much for sharing this informative pst. I hope others will ask questions or share what's working for them!

Hi, Damiana! Thanks for asking!

here's a great resource that has a TON of links in it. One of them is «business in a box», which is from Nicole Broadhurst's program. I understand that package is free; she has other resources that are part of a paid service.

gnanow.org/community/survivor-support/room-1-ss/27-from-survivor-to-supporter-explore-turning-your-lived-experiences-into.html

Hello,
First allow me to preface that I am not giving legal advice — that is for attorneys only. But I have a healthy background in the legal system and my belief is that you can be deposed...period. You do not have doctor/patient protection, clergy/congregant protection or attorney/client protection.

Here's what I would do, if it were me and I truly believed the client and I are a good fit: Find a good attorney to represent you (not your prospective client) and ask them to advise you if a «Non-Disclosure Agreement» (NDA) could be executed between you and the prospective client such that you would have the ability to refuse to answer any questions posed in a deposition based on the NDA. You would still have to appear if you get a subpoena (and they «should» provide a stipend for your trouble if you have to travel over a certain number of miles...at least that's the case in my State).

So, bottom-line is — ask an attorney and go from there.

Best wishes. Let me know how this turns out for your.

Val Barschaw
Author/Speaker/Advocate… and former Superior Court Clerk

7 years

great question! thanks for sharing it.

Lisa, I fully agree with your perspective and appreciate you raising this important issue. As one of the “old-timers” in patient advocacy for over 12 years, I continue to work on a limited, highly selective basis, guided by an approach that prioritizes time, trust, and personal connection.

My core philosophy remains unchanged: to be a true champion for patients and their families as they navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system. Many who need advocacy simply cannot access it due to cost. For me, the greatest reward has always been human, not financial, and I do everything I can to work with Medicare clients and expand access for those who might otherwise go without support.

I also believe our services should not be excessive. I can not relate to fees of even 200.00 or more. At the same time, I respect advocates for whom this is their primary profession—they must charge fair, realistic, and justifiable rates.

I am encouraged that Umbra is helping create pathways for Medicare reimbursement. While modest, it represents an important step forward—one we should all support.

I agree Lisa, it's getting uglier indeed.

I had to Etch-a-Sketch my business model almost immediatly when I opened my independent advocacy practice. My LLC was formed in February 2020 and the world closed down in March due to Covid. But the changes I made allowed me to serve clients all over the USA remotely. Over the years my business has evolved. The unforseen changes I had to implement early, have benefited throughout the years. Being able to adapt to client's needs is something I continue with to this day.

Hi Lisa! Such a great post — thank you for sparking this conversation. When I built the documents and workflow for my practice, I found myself asking the same questions: Who is my patient population? What can I help with? Who are my partners?

The more I explored advocacy, the more I realized how broad our work truly is. We can support almost anyone, in so many different situations, and I worried that defining my services too narrowly might limit how clients see their own needs.

That’s why I offer a short, free consultation. It gives me space to ask questions clients may not think to ask, listen to their concerns, and highlight support they may not realize an advocate can provide. That brief conversation often brings clarity for both of us.

The first thing you would need to be able to answer is why that would benefit the law firm? If you can see a clear path how your service helps them — then you have a potential opportunity.

If you have a know someone who works at a law firm you want to approach, take them to coffee or lunch and ask what the firm needs most? Listen to what pain points they have that you can help fix and begin there.

Having worked in law firms, I tried to imagine what would happen if someone come into the office seeking referrals. The only thing I could envision is if you have a professional brochure of your services (you know the kind you can put in a little display) that you may be able to set that in a waiting room area where one of their clients may pick it up and reach out to you. But only after you have shown the firm — it will help the firm.

Many lawyers are hesitant to make referrals...period. (But they love receiving them.)

Not meaning to sound negative, but until you can show them how you can help them, there is little reason to have a relationship.

A good relationship will lead to good referrals. Best wishes.

Andrew, this is a GREAT question! I'm hoping our members will jump in and share some insights.

Thanks for generously sharing a free article. Although I do not plan to sit for the exam, I appreciate all your hard work. Best wishes.

Thanks for sharing!
I do this part time, about 10 hours a week for context. My business is 3.5 years old. My clients mainly find me through GNA and word of mouth/referrals.

I offer a free inital consultation to make sure it's a good fit for everyone. There have been a few times where the free consut doesn't lead anywhere for me, and that's okay.

I do know some folks have built referral channels through building relationships with proivders direclty, or through marketing to care facilities.

THANK YOU @sylvia reisman, for such a GREAT dynamic question.

As we move from 'pre-launch' to really driving traffic to the site, I so hope you get a TON of response. I'm certainly eager to see it.

I’m a sole proprietor and chose that because LLC is a tax basis and not an adequate liability shield. Just testing here!

First, thanks for helping to test PA360 for us!

I opened an LLC. Although I am not actively building out my client list, as most of my time is spent working for GNA, but I often have kept a small client list.

The best resources along the way have been fellow advocates, who generously have shared their «what worked for me, what didn't»s, encouraged me to keep going and not be intimidated by the business aspect of ..well, running a business, and who willingly have shared their professional expertise when a case felt too big, or perhaps had an aspect I wasn't as comfortable with as the rest of the case. It gave me lived experiences that showed me just how invaluable having a community of advocate colleagues can be.

Leah,
Thank you so much for sharing this incredibly compelling story. I'm so very sorry for that patient; I can imagine that terror she was feeling, and am heartbroken for her.
Thank you so much for the work that you do in the county hospital.

Thinking of you, and that patient, today,
AnnMarie